February is American Heart Month, focusing on bettering cardiac health and raising awareness for heart issues. Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is one of the many cardiac arrhythmias that affect your heart and put you at risk for complications.
If you’re living with atrial fibrillation or simply want to learn more about it, our team at the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute is here to offer guidance. Dr. Hesham Fakhri is an experienced cardiologist offering cardiac rhythm evaluations, echocardiograms, and stroke prevention tips for people with heart disease.
Atrial fibrillation is a cardiac arrhythmia in which the atria (upper chambers of the heart) quiver rather than contract in a controlled, coordinated manner. The cause of A-fib is fast, irregular electrical impulses in the upper chambers, causing various symptoms that include:
A-fib is one of the most prevalent types of cardiac arrhythmias, affecting more than 2 million people in the United States. It can be long-lasting or acute and may lead to serious health consequences without treatment.
Let’s look at the main types of atrial fibrillation and how they differ.
A-fib comes in several forms, each of which affects you for varying periods of time. Knowing which type you have is essential for the proper treatment. The main forms of A-fib include:
Paroxysmal A-fib happens when you have episodes of the arrhythmia that come and go. They can last for several minutes or a week at a time.
Persistent A-fib lasts for longer than a week and typically requires some form of treatment to break it.
Long-term persistent A-fib (lasting over a year) also requires treatment to avoid complications.
Permanent A-fib is the most severe form and persists permanently. There’s no cure for this type of A-fib, and you’re permanently in arrhythmia.
Some people are more prone to A-fib than others, especially those who have a family history. But there are other risk factors for developing A-fib, and they include:
If you meet the criteria for A-fib risk, it’s essential to come in for a cardiac evaluation. The sooner we find an issue, the more successful the treatment will be.
It’s vital that you get treatment for A-fib because, left untreated, it can lead to health complications. Because the heart isn’t beating correctly, A-fib can lead to any of the following issues:
These complications can be life-threatening in severe circumstances. The best way to avoid these issues is to get treatment as soon as you notice a problem.
Now, let’s explore how treatment and early diagnosis can decrease your risks.
At your first appointment, we perform diagnostic tests to determine your type of A-fib and discuss your symptoms. We then tailor a treatment plan for your needs.
The goal of treatment is to restore a normal heart rhythm and control your heart rate. We do this in several ways, including giving you lifestyle modifications. We recommend limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.
Lifestyle modifications aren’t always enough. We may recommend medications such as blood thinners and those to control your heart rate and rhythm.
In more severe cases where other treatments haven’t worked, we may recommend invasive cardiology procedures to attempt to break the irregular rhythm.
Don't wait to protect your heart. Contact our specialists at the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute. Call us now or reach out online to schedule your consultation at one of our locations in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or Sun City, Florida. Take the first step toward better heart health today.
